ONGC Initiates Search for Technology Partners to Eliminate Gas Flaring

In an effort to achieve zero methane emissions by 2030, Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman of ONGC, has announced the company’s plans to collaborate with global technology firms to reduce gas flaring. This strategic move is implemented as part of the company’s ambitious decarbonisation plan, which aims to minimize its environmental footprint.

In a recent communication on LinkedIn, Singh emphasized India’s growing importance in the global energy arena, forecasting a 25 per cent increase in global energy demand over the next two decades. According to the International Energy Agency, India’s share in global primary energy consumption is expected to reach 9.8 per cent by 2050. Despite this growth, India’s contribution to cumulative global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains relatively low at 4 per cent, with current emissions standing at 7 per cent. Singh underscored ONGC’s steadfast commitment as a responsible corporate entity to address environmental concerns and strive towards cleaner, greener, and more sustainable energy alternatives.

Singh detailed ONGC’s initiatives to reduce gas flaring in its exploration and production operations, setting a target to eliminate unnecessary flaring by 2030. He stated that the company has also made significant progress in reducing methane emissions and is working towards achieving zero levels by the same year.

Additionally, ONGC’s strategy includes plans to replace gas used for power generation and other operational requirements with green power sourced from facilities located up to 160 km away from the west coast. The recovered gas will then be offered for sale to industries such as fertiliser and power plants.

The company is dedicated to leveraging innovative technologies and collaborating with international firms to achieve its sustainability objectives. This decision to engage technology partners reflects ONGC’s proactive approach to environmental responsibility and is in line with the broader global agenda to achieve net-zero emissions.

The pursuit of technology partners for gas flaring reduction represents a significant milestone in ONGC’s path towards decarbonisation and aligns with the broader objectives of the Indian government to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. As the company continues to play a pivotal role in India’s energy landscape, its efforts to mitigate environmental impact and embrace sustainable practices are commendable.